Contrary to what I expected, we didn't just depart right away. We spent quite a bit gathering supplies for the month.
"Alright. First things first, let's assign roles." [Wilharrow]
We sat at a table within a random inn near the outskirts of the city. It was almost exactly as I imagined from a fantasy world. Wooden tables, barmaids, people drinking like a bunch of hooligans, and so much more. The only thing that I found strange was that the food was almost tasteless.
("Do they not have seasonings here?") [Solace]
I inspected the steak I ordered and found that the only seasonings on top were crushed herbs. …I think.
"So we have me: a |Hero|. Alt: A |Martial Artist| …I think. Raon: Also a |Martial Artist|. Leon: A |Bloodthirster|. And Fina: A… what is your class again?" [Wilharrow]
"|Freelancer|." [Fina]
"Oh. A jack of all trades." [Wilharrow]
("|Freelancer?|") [Solace]
"Response: The class |Freelancer| allows the user to learn any and all skills. It also has the constraint of higher mana cost when casting skills and will be less powerful than when a specialist uses the same skill." [Spirit Guide]
It really was a jack of all trades. Sounds terrible though.
"Great. Fina, can you do |Support|?" [Wilharrow]
"I can." [Fina]
"Nice. Now, I want to call |Damage Dealer|." [Wilharrow]
"What?! No way!" [Raon]
He slammed a hand down onto the table.
"I'm the |Martial Artist|! I can punch three times in the time it takes for you to swing a sword!" [Raon]
Wilharrow wagged a finger back and forth.
"Speed doesn't equate to damage. A hundred punches could tickle a wall, but one stroke of a hammer will do the trick." [Wilharrow]
I think that was the first time I heard a saying that originated in this world.
"I have damage too!" [Raon]
"Not enough though." [Wilharrow]
"If that's the case… what do you think, Alt?" [Raon]
"Hm?" [Solace]
Raon calling my alias broke me out of my daydream.
"Uh… What're we talking about again?" [Solace]
To be honest, I wasn't listening the whole time. I was too busy studying the culinary arts of my bland steak.
"Our roles!" [Raon]
"Roles?" [Solace]
"Our combat roles! Do you think I'm suitable for |Damage Dealer| or not?!" [Raon]
I shrugged.
"Dunno. Do whatever you want." [Solace]
Raon facepalmed.
"No, just say yes or no…!" [Raon]
"Alright, I think I need some context." [Solace]
Wilharrow leaned forward.
"Basically, Fina will be our |Support|. I'm gonna be the |Damage Deal-" [Wilharrow]
"Me, actually." [Raon]
Wilharrow gave him the side-eye.
"To be determined then. What role do you want, Alt?" [Wilharrow]
"What roles are left?" [Solace]
"|Tank| and |Mage|." [Wilharrow]
I raised a brow.
"Do any of us look like a mage to you?" [Solace]
"Fina does." [Wilharrow]
Fina put her hands up as if to say that she's not a part of this conversation.
"I'm already the |Support|. It's not efficient to have someone hold more than two roles." [Fina]
"Isn't she a |Freelancer| though? It should be no problem." [Raon]
"True, but I can't have Fina do both |Support| and |Mage|. We'd have someone left out." [Wilharrow]
Though I wasn't sure what |Support| did exactly, I now knew it wasn't casting something like |Fireball|.
"Eh… What does a |Mage| do exactly?" [Solace]
"Throw magic from the back." [Raon]
Wilharrow nodded.
"That sums it up." [Wilharrow]
"Cool. I'll be the |Mage| then." [Solace]
Raon and Wilharrow glanced at each other.
"Just like that? You're not even going to fight for |Damage Dealer|?" [Raon]
"Why should I?" [Solace]
It sounded like a nice and leisurely role. No need to take hits or anything. Just throw random crap and hope it hits.
"Matter of fact, why are you so insistent on being a |Damage Dealer|?" [Solace]
"It's the most honorable role. As a noble myself, I cannot just let it go." [Raon]
"I'm the hero though. I should take the role." [Wilharrow]
They were both very adamant about taking that role.
"How about you guys settle this with a little game?" [Solace]
"...A game?" [Raon]
"That's right. Loser becomes the |Tank|." [Solace]
Raon and Wilharrow listened intently.
"Go on." [Wilharrow]
"Do arm wrestling." [Solace]
Then they looked confused.
"Arm… wrestling?" [Raon]
"Oh! It's that dance in the southern region, right?!" [Wilharrow]
"...There's a dance like that?" [Solace]
"Was I wrong?" [Wilharrow]
"Very." [Solace]
It was funny to think arm wrestling could be a dance.
"It's a test of strength. Let me see your hands real quick." [Solace]
I got up from my chair and positioned Raon and Wilharrow across from each other. Then, I had them clasp hands before explaining the rules.
"How does this work?" [Raon]
"You both will push at the same time. Whoever can make the back of their opponent's hand touch the table first, wins. Also, you are not allowed to raise your arm from the table or use two hands." [Solace]
"Simple rules." [Wilharrow]
"Can we use magic?" [Raon]
I forgot that was a thing. Since arm wrestling was traditionally without magic, I decided on not using it.
"Nah. That's cheating. Pure muscle. That's it." [Solace]
"Understood." [Wilharrow]
I then placed my hand over theirs.
"When I say go, the match begins. Ready?" [Solace]
"Ready." [Wilharrow] [Raon]
"Go!" [Solace]
They both tensed up, suddenly placing immense pressure on the table.
("OH!!! I FORGOT THE TABLE!!!") [Solace]
The table started to crack, so I applied multiple layers of |Reinforce| on it.
"Alert: You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Reinforce| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]
The cracks no longer stretched outwards. From then on the two just went at it.
"GO DOWN!!!" [Raon]
"I REFUSE!!!" [Wilharrow]
They were so loud that it started to attract gazes. At some point people straight up just came over to watch.
("Wow, they really haven't moved an inch.") [Solace]
If I remember correctly, Wilharrow's stats were much higher than Raon's. I wonder how they were able to just remain at the same spot?
("Ah, there we go.") [Solace]
As expected, Raon started to lose ground. Slowly, but surely his hand went towards the table.
"NO!!! NOOOO!!!" [Raon]
His face reddened as he struggled. Unfortunately, Raon's hand was the first to touch the table.
"DAMN IT!!!" [Raon]
After his loss, he slammed a fist against the table. On the other hand, the other patrons in the inn cheered. It's funny because they probably didn't even know what was going on.
"Then guess that settles it." [Wilharrow]
He stood up and flexed his muscles.
"It's my perfect victory!" [Wilharrow]
I no longer wanted to know this guy.
("How embarrassing…") [Solace]